How can I submit a reserve list?

What can be placed on Reserve?

Library-owned material, as well as personal material, sample exam questions, lecture notes, and photocopied articles may be placed on Reserve. Photocopies must meet Federal copyright standards. Copyright permission questions may be directed to Cecilia Malilwe at permissions@mail.lib.msu.edu.

How soon should I submit my reserve list?

While you may reserve material at any time, the sooner we receive your request list the better. In general, lists are processed in the order received. Typically, if your list is submitted 2-3 weeks before the first day of classes all items will be on reserve by the start of classes. Of course, there are exceptions for material we do not own or users who do not return items in a timely manner. If you have questions about the progress of your list, please contact the appropriate service desk.

How long will it take before my list is ready?

Processing times will vary and items will not be available immediately, but will be processed as quickly as possible in the order received. Shorter lists require less time to process. Material requiring recall from other borrowers, or material we have to order will be available as soon as we receive them and processing is completed. To view progress of your list, please go to the library catalog.

How can I expedite processing of my list?

You can expedite processing by providing accurate and complete citations for the titles you request, as well as clear information about the course, the instructor, enrollment, and loan period information. The more information you can supply, the fewer questions we need to follow-up with. You may also expedite processing by bringing the requested library material, personal copies or an already-spiral-bound coursepack directly to a staff member at the service desk.

Will you contact me when my list is ready?

If we are having trouble locating an item on your list, or need clarification on a citation, we will contact you. You can check the status of your list by searching “Course Reserves” in the Library's catalog on the Main Library’s web page, www.lib.msu.edu. If you have concerns about items not yet on your list, please contact the appropriate service desk.

Can material be made available electronically?

Currently the MSU Library does not offer centralized electronic course reserves. Course content is managed by individual course instructors within the course management system (ANGEL). Instructors are strongly encouraged to comply with copyright guidelines when posting material within the course. Please see Commonly Asked Questions about Copyright. Links can be created within ANGEL to the full-text of articles licensed by the MSU Libraries. See instructions for creating stable links to electronic articles. Explicit copyright permission is required to post the full text of articles within an online course. The MSU Library offers a Copyright Permissions Service. The Service itself is free but any permission fees must be paid by your department. Please contact Amy Blair, Copyright Librarian for questions regarding the above. For assistance with ANGEL, please contact Distance Learning Services - (800) 500-1554 ((517) 355-2345).

How can I view the status of my reserve list request?

How do I order a material the Library doesn’t own?

You may provide material order information by going to the “Faculty Services” page, and then clicking on “Reserve Material Purchase Request.” We will notify the instructor when the material is received and available. If a requested title is no longer in print, we will contact the instructor to decide the next course of action.

Can I place a coursepack on Reserve?

What are the loan periods for reserve material?

Are fines charged?

Fines are assessed at the rate of $1.00 per item/per hour and are charged 24 hours a day, every day. When Reserve material remains overdue overnight, the borrower is billed a minimum of $50 to replace the material. Once the material is returned, the bill for replacement is waived, but fines will still be charged.

What should I tell my students about using Reserves?

First, make sure the material is available before sending your students. Check the catalog for the most accurate information on available material for your course. Also make sure students know which library has the material on reserve. Once the material is available, students will need to bring a picture ID (their MSU Student ID serves this purpose) to the Reserve Desk. They will also need the call numbers for the material they wish to check out. This information is also available from the catalog.